11-06-2025
Vinmec performs its first total femoral replacement for world's youngest cancer patient
Vinmec successfully performs world's youngest pediatric total femur replacement surgery using 3D printing technology.
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 11 June 2025 -In October 2022, after a minor fall, Tran Minh Duc (a boy from Ho Chi Minh City) hurt his left thigh. Believing it to be just a simple injury, his family was shocked to hear the bad news from the doctor: The boy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - a malignant bone cancer with a tumor that had invaded his entire femur. It is typically seen in adolescents, but rare and haphazard in younger the severe prognosis, most medical facilities recommended amputation to ensure his survival or bone grafting (a conventional method). Both methods carry a high risk of rejection and infection, especially for younger children in the development flash of hope appeared when she met Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung - Director of the Orthopedic Council, Vinmec Healthcare System. An unprecedented approach was proposed to apply to such a young patient:According to Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung, the entire femur of Duc has been invaded by the tumor. To ensure his life, Duc's leg had to be amputated. However, different types of artificial joints available on the market are not compatible with young various interdisciplinary case conferences including Orthopedics, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging, Pathology, Clinical Pharmacy, etc., the Vinmec experts reached a consensus on the optimal approach - a two-phase surgery. Phase 1 (January 2024): Removing the tumor and temporarily grafting a cement bone. Phase 2 (May 2025): Replacing the entire femur with a "customized" bone made of 3D-printed January 29, 2024, Duc underwent his first surgery - removing the entire tumor and temporarily grafting a cement bone. In May 2025 when his conditions had stabilized, Duc's entire femur was replaced with a "customized" bone made of 3D-printed metal. For the first time, 3D printing was applied to the youngest patient in the world with the collaboration between Vinmec medical professionals and VinUni's engineers. The bone's design is modular, enabling future extensions based on the child's physical to MSc. Dr. Tran Duc Thanh, who was directly engaged in the surgery:Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Dung added: "The 4-hour surgery was a success. Duc recovered quickly without any complications, now he is able to walk with the support of physical therapy. The surgery represented a breakthrough in complex techniques and the evidence for sound collaboration in the multidisciplinary medical team. Both the life and limb of the child were kept intact."Once at risk of amputation and life-long dependence, Minh Duc is now able to walk on his own feet, supported by physical therapy without any complications of infection or transplant rejection. Every step Duc takes is a testament to precision medicine, advanced technologies, and the unwavering love of his mother.- Ms. Hoang said in Dr. Tran Trung Dung also shared his emotions:Vinmec is the first Vietnamese healthcare system that applies personalized 3D printing in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Instead of using standardized equipment, Vinmec uses CT and MRI data in the design of artificial joints and bones tailored to each patient to optimize motor functions, enhance precision, and reduce the recovery date, Vinmec has achieved successes in many difficult and rare cases, e.g. liver transplantation for an 8-month-old patient from a brain-dead donor, the first in Southeast Asia to reproduce 3D-printed titanium chest wall, and the first in the world to replace the pelvis and femur at the same time with 3D-printed its series of breakthroughs and pioneering achievements in high-tech healthcare and precision medicine, Vinmec further affirms the aspiration to elevate the position of Vietnam in the global medical - A Place of Healing and Reimagining the #Vinmec
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About Vinmec Healthcare System
Vinmec is Vietnam's leading private healthcare system, with a network of 9 hospitals nationwide, developed to international standards with a focus on comprehensive, personalized, and specialty care. Its proud achievements include:
A strategic partnership with Cleveland Clinic , one of the world's top healthcare systems, enabling global clinical collaboration and access to world-class medical standards.
, one of the world's top healthcare systems, enabling global clinical collaboration and access to world-class medical standards. No.1 Healthcare Services for Foreigners in Vietnam , trusted by international residents for its high-quality care, globally trained physicians, and international-standard facilities.
, trusted by international residents for its high-quality care, globally trained physicians, and international-standard facilities. The only healthcare system in Asia honored at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025 , receiving two prestigious accolades: Hospital Group of the Year and Technology Innovation of the Year , reinforcing its leadership in the region.
, receiving two prestigious accolades: and , reinforcing its leadership in the region. JCI-accredited , meeting the world's most rigorous standards for patient safety and healthcare quality.
, meeting the world's most rigorous standards for patient safety and healthcare quality. The first and only healthcare system in Vietnam to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across four key specialties: Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, and Clinical Immunology – Allergy.
